The Odyssey by Andrew Lang: Andrew Lang is best known for his collections of fairy tales and his contributions to anthropology and folklore. However, he also translated various classical works. The poem “The Odyssey” you are referring to is likely not an original poem by Lang, but a reference to his English translation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem, “The Odyssey.”
Lull’d by the song of Circe and her wine
In gardens near the pale of Proserpine,
Where that Aeaean isle forgets the main,
And only the low lutes of love complain,
And only shadows of wan lovers pine–
As such an one were glad to know the brine
Salt on his lips, and the large air again–
So gladly from the songs of modern speech
Men turn, and see the stars, and feel the free
Shrill wind beyond the close of heavy flowers,
And through the music of the languid hours
They hear like Ocean on a western beach
The surge and thunder of the Odyssey.
Analysis of The Odyssey by Andrew Lang
Assuming that’s the case, let’s delve into a detailed analysis of Homer’s “The Odyssey” as translated by Andrew Lang:
1. Historical and Cultural Context:
The original “Odyssey” was composed in Ancient Greece around the 8th century BCE. It is one of the foundational texts of Western literature and was sung by bards long before it was written down. In translating it, Andrew Lang sought to make this foundational text accessible to a modern audience without losing its epic grandeur.
2. Plot Overview:
The poem narrates the journey of the hero Odysseus as he returns home to Ithaca after the fall of Troy. This journey takes him ten years, during which he encounters various challenges, including monsters, nymphs, and gods. Meanwhile, in Ithaca, his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, face their own challenges as they fend off suitors seeking Penelope’s hand in marriage, thinking Odysseus is dead.
3. Stylistic Qualities:
Lang’s translation retains the elevated diction and extended similes characteristic of the epic genre. However, it is rendered in a prose form, making it more accessible to the general reader while still capturing the grandeur of the original.
4. Themes and Motifs:
- Journey and Homecoming: Central to “The Odyssey” is the theme of nostos, or homecoming. Odysseus’ journey is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual. The epic explores what it means to be away from home and the challenges one faces in returning to it.
- Cunning and Intelligence: Odysseus is often referred to as “cunning” or “wily”. His intelligence and ability to strategize often get him out of tight spots, contrasting with the brute strength exemplified by other heroes like Achilles.
- The Role of the Gods: Throughout the epic, the gods play crucial roles in guiding, hindering, or intervening in human affairs. The relationship between gods and humans, fate and free will, is a recurring motif.
- Guest and Host Relations: The ancient Greek concept of xenia, or guest-host relations, is central to the poem. Violations of these rules by mortals or immortals often result in severe consequences.
- Loyalty and Faithfulness: Penelope’s faithfulness to Odysseus and his loyalty to her are major themes, contrasted against the disloyalty of the suitors and some of Odysseus’ own infidelities.
5. Lang’s Translation and Its Significance:
Andrew Lang, being a 19th-century scholar, approached “The Odyssey” with both reverence and a sense of scholarship. His translation sought to make the text accessible to English readers without losing its rich historical and cultural nuances. Lang’s version is more straightforward than some poetic translations, making it ideal for those new to the epic. However, purists might argue that certain poetic qualities of the original are lost in prose.
6. Conclusion:
Homer’s “The Odyssey” is a timeless epic that has been studied, read, and translated for centuries. Andrew Lang’s translation provides a bridge between the ancient world and the modern reader, offering insights into the human condition, themes of homecoming, loyalty, and the interplay between mortals and gods. It’s a testament to the enduring power of this ancient tale that, even today, it continues to resonate and inspire.